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Fulton

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Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
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Fulton has produced marine and utility trailer hardware for more than a century, and its jacks, winches and couplers are a standard for light and medium-duty trailering. The XLT and F2 series cover swivel and fixed jacks, hand and powered winches from 1,500 to 3,200 pounds, and couplers built to keep working in wet, salty conditions.
With more than a hundred years of production behind it, Fulton has become the reference point for light and medium-duty trailer hardware, particularly on the marine side. That environment is the toughest test a trailer component faces. A boat trailer is reversed into fresh or salt water on every launch and left to sit wet, which finds every weakness in plating, sealing and material choice. Fulton's stated position is that the brand performs best when the weather is at its worst, and its product engineering reflects that. It sits within the Horizon Global towing group alongside Reese, Draw-Tite, Bulldog, Tekonsha and Wesbar.
Marine and utility jacks anchor the line. The XLT Series marine jack uses a bolt-through swivel mount built from three-dimensionally formed heavy-gauge steel stampings with a proprietary bushing material, a combination chosen to minimise deflection under tongue load while keeping the swivel action working after years of exposure. The F2 Series takes corrosion resistance further as the industry's only extruded aluminium marine jack with an anodised finish, which removes the rust problem at its source rather than coating over it. The wider trailer jack range covers topwind, sidewind and drop-leg configurations.
Trailer winches pull boats onto bunks and rollers. XLT Series winches use efficient gear ratios, full-length drum bearings, oil-impregnated shaft bushings and a Comfort Grip handle that makes the last few turns under load bearable, in 1,500 and 1,800 pound capacities. F2 Series winches use an enclosed frame for a cleaner look and added protection, in 1,600, 2,000 and 3,200 pound models, including two-speed options that trade line speed for cranking effort.
Couplers complete the range, including A-frame couplers matched to common tongue sizes and load ratings, serving boat owners, utility trailer users and trailer manufacturers.
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A stamped coupler is a trailer hitch coupler that connects a trailer tongue to a towing vehicle's hitch ball. It holds the trailer securely during towing and allows coupling and uncoupling. This manual covers both bolt-on and weld-on installation methods for Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 couplers designed for straight tongue or A-frame (50-degree) trailer tongues.
No. This coupler is designed for trailers with either a straight tongue or an A-frame (50-degree) tongue. A-frame couplers can only be used with 50-degree trailer tongues. For bolt-on installation, the trailer manufacturer must specify the number and size of fasteners required. Always verify your trailer tongue type and coupler class before purchasing.
Use only the proper ball size indicated on the coupler body itself. If you are uncertain which ball size is correct, contact Cequent Performance Products at 1-800-632-3290 or www.cequentgroup.com. Using an incorrect ball size may result in unsafe coupling.
For Class 1 couplers, the preferred method is to use four (4) 3/8" grade 5 bolts through the side holes. An alternate method is to use two (2) 3/8" grade 5 through bolts and locknuts, provided they can be torqued to the appropriate SAE proof load specification (23 ft. lbs.). No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed. The trailer manufacturer must specify the exact fasteners required for your application.
For Class 2, 3, and 4 couplers, the preferred method is to use four (4) 1/2" grade 5 bolts through the side holes. An alternate method is to use two (2) 1/2" grade 5 through bolts and locknuts, provided they can be torqued to the appropriate SAE proof load specification (55 ft. lbs.). No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed. The trailer manufacturer must specify the exact fasteners required for your application.
For A-frame couplers (50-degree tongues only), use grade 5 bolts with locknuts through the available mounting holes in the coupler housing. For couplers using 1/2" hardware, use washers beneath all bolt heads and locknuts. Torque grade 5 bolts with locknuts to the appropriate SAE proof load specification (1/2" = 55 ft. lbs.). No deformation of the trailer tongue end is allowed.
Yes. Before mounting the coupler, confirm that there will be no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, and any other mounted accessories while stationary or in motion. Check for interference in both open and closed positions before installing. Check again after installation is complete. If interference is found, do not use the coupler.
The coupler's internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap. The trailer manufacturer must specify the exact fastener requirements for your application.
Torque 3/8" grade 5 bolts to 23 ft. lbs. according to SAE proof load specifications.
Torque 1/2" grade 5 bolts to 55 ft. lbs. according to SAE proof load specifications.
Torque 5/8" grade 5 bolts with locknuts to 100–110 ft. lbs. This applies to the two (2) 5/8" × 5" grade 5 bolts used to secure the coupler to the adjustable height channel mounting bracket.
An adjustable height channel is a mounting bracket used to attach the coupler to the trailer tongue. If the tongue height is 6 inches or less, gussets are required. The mounting bracket must be centered on the tongue and remain vertical after installation. A 1/4" minimum fillet weld is required all around. The coupler is secured using two sets of holes in the mounting bracket with two (2) 5/8" × 5" grade 5 bolts, torqued to 100–110 ft. lbs.
Gussets are required if the trailer tongue height is 6 inches or less when using an adjustable height channel mounting bracket. Gussets provide structural support to the mounting bracket.
Welding is required only for weld-on coupler installation. For bolt-on installation, no welding is required. If welding is needed, all welding must be performed by an AWS-certified welder. For adjustable height channel mounting brackets, a 1/4" minimum fillet weld is required all around.
A 1/8" minimum fillet weld is required on both sides and the top of the coupler for straight tongue weld-on installation.
A 3/16" minimum fillet weld is required on both sides and the top of the coupler for A-frame weld-on installation. A-frame couplers can only be used with 50-degree trailer tongues.
A minimum coupler/tongue overlap of 6.5 inches is required. The coupler's internal stop must be butted against the end of the trailer tongue for maximum overlap.
Yes, but you must remove excess paint or primer buildup from the ball pocket and latching mechanism after painting. Buildup in these areas can impair coupler operation.
After installation is complete, check that coupler operation has not been impaired in any way. Verify that the coupler opens and closes freely and that the handle or latch operates smoothly. If coupler operation has been impaired, do not use it. Also check for any interference with the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or other accessories.
Before towing, perform the following checks: (1) Check the vehicle, mounting bracket, hitch, hitch ball, and coupler for signs of wear or damage. (2) Verify that the coupler handle opens and closes freely. (3) Close the coupler securely, ensuring the hitch ball is fully seated in the ball pocket and the handle or latch is in the closed position. (4) Check mounting bracket hardware for wear and proper tightness; tighten to appropriate SAE proof load specifications using only grade 5 hardware. (5) Verify that trailer safety chains are properly connected to the towing vehicle and trailer per SAE J684. (6) Verify that all trailer lighting is hooked up and working properly. If the coupler or mounting bracket is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket. Replace any bent, broken, or worn parts before using the product.
The coupling procedure varies by coupler type. For all types: (1) Block the trailer wheels. (2) Align the hitch ball beneath the coupler ball pocket. For Fas-Lok style: Open by pulling the latch trigger and lifting the locking lever. Lower the coupler over the hitch ball until fully seated. Move the locking lever to closed position. Check that the latch is engaged by lifting the back of the locking lever. Verify the ball is fully seated and the ball clamp is below the ball. For Yoke-style: Open by lifting the latch, raising the yoke, and pulling back. Lower the coupler over the ball until fully seated. Push the latch handle forward until the yoke drops and the handle tips enter the slots. Verify the ball is fully seated and the ball clamp is below the ball. For Low-Latch: Open by lifting the latch upward and pulling back. Lower the coupler over the ball until fully seated. Move the locking lever forward until the handle tips enter the slots. Verify the ball is fully seated and the ball clamp is below the ball. If the ball is not fully seated with the latch engaged, do not tow; repeat the steps.
To uncouple: (1) Block the trailer wheels. (2) Open the locking lever. (3) Raise the trailer off the hitch ball. (4) Return the handle to the closed position.
Use caution when uncoupling because the tongue may rise suddenly due to negative tongue load. Always block the trailer wheels before uncoupling and be prepared for sudden movement.
No. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated and/or the coupler is not closed. Always verify that the hitch ball is completely seated in the ball pocket and the coupler handle or latch is in the closed position before towing.
Do not exceed the lesser of the mounting bracket, coupler, hitch, vehicle, ball, or trailer weight ratings (including load). Weigh your trailer plus added load before towing. Consult the coupler body markings and your vehicle and trailer documentation for specific weight ratings.
The following procedures should be performed at least annually: (1) Check welds and mounting bolt torque. (2) Grease the ball pocket. (3) Oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean. When parking or storing the trailer, keep the coupler off the ground so dirt and other foreign material will not build up in the coupler ball pocket.
Use SAE 30 wt. motor oil to oil the pivot points. This should be done at least annually as part of regular maintenance.
When parking or storing the trailer, keep the coupler off the ground so dirt and other foreign material will not build up in the coupler ball pocket. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean.
This coupler fits trailers with straight tongues or A-frame (50-degree) tongues. A-frame couplers only fit 50-degree tongues. Verify your tongue type and have your trailer manufacturer confirm the coupler class and fastener requirements.
Use only grade 5 bolts and hardware. Grade 5 hardware is required for all bolt-on and mounting bracket installations.
Welding is required only for weld-on installation. All welding must be performed by an AWS-certified welder. Bolt-on installation does not require welding.
Torque 3/8" bolts to 23 ft. lbs., 1/2" bolts to 55 ft. lbs., and 5/8" bolts to 100–110 ft. lbs. All torque values follow SAE proof load specifications.
No. Do not tow if the ball is not fully seated and/or the coupler is not closed. Always verify the hitch ball is completely seated and the coupler handle or latch is in the closed position before towing.
After installation, verify that coupler operation has not been impaired. Check that the coupler opens and closes freely and that there is no interference with the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, or other accessories. If operation is impaired, do not use the coupler.
Perform maintenance at least annually: check welds and mounting bolt torque, grease the ball pocket, and oil pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean at all times.
If the coupler will not close or the latch will not engage, the hitch ball may not be fully seated in the ball pocket. Repeat the coupling steps: block the trailer wheels, align the hitch ball beneath the coupler ball pocket, open the coupler, lower it over the ball until fully seated, and close the latch. Verify that the ball is completely seated and the ball clamp is below the ball. If the problem persists, check that you are using the correct hitch ball size for the coupler (marked on the coupler body). If the coupler is damaged or deformed, do not use it; replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket.
If the coupler handle or latch is stiff or difficult to operate, the ball pocket or latching mechanism may be dirty or require lubrication. Keep the ball pocket and mechanism clean. Oil the pivot points with SAE 30 wt. motor oil. If the coupler has been painted, ensure that excess paint or primer buildup has been removed from the ball pocket and latching mechanism. If the coupler continues to operate stiffly after cleaning and lubrication, the coupler may be damaged and should not be used; replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket.
Check the mounting bracket hardware for wear and proper tightness before each towing trip. If bolts are loose, tighten them to the appropriate SAE proof load specification: 3/8" bolts to 23 ft. lbs., 1/2" bolts to 55 ft. lbs., or 5/8" bolts to 100–110 ft. lbs. Use only grade 5 hardware. If bolts are bent, broken, or worn, replace them. If bolts repeatedly loosen, the hardware may be damaged or the mounting bracket may be deformed; replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket.
No. If the coupler is deformed or damaged, do not use it. After installation, if coupler operation has been impaired in any way, do not use it. Replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket. Before towing, inspect the coupler for signs of wear or damage. If the coupler or mounting bracket is deformed or damaged, replace the complete coupler and mounting bracket before towing.
Before mounting the coupler, confirm that there will be no interference from the tow vehicle, tongue, ground, and any other mounted accessories while stationary or in motion. Check for interference in both open and closed positions before installing. If interference is found before installation, adjust the mounting location or height. If interference is discovered after installation, the coupler must be repositioned or the mounting bracket adjusted. Check for interference again after any adjustment. If interference cannot be eliminated, do not use the coupler.
Sam
Ordered online. Shipment arrived on time and with all the correct parts. Great customer service and friendly staff. Also, pricing was great!
May 22, 2023





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